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Victoria (2016)
Victoria is a Triumph
This series is nothing short of a triumph. Though not always true to the last details of the history, it is sufficiently attentive to the major themes of the early Victorian times and the political landscape of the period. The costumes and the scenery are absolutely breathtaking.
Jenna Coleman is phenomenal as Victoria, and gives us a good feel for the most important things that shaped the early years : a) manipulation by her mother and Conroy that contributed to her unpreparedness upon inheriting the throne, b) widespread uncertainty among the people about her abilities to rule England, c) her need for, and attainment of a shoulder on which to lean personally and as queen in Lord Melbourne (skillfully played by Rufus Sewell), d) her gradual, but impressive, development of skills as a queen and e) her growing confidence.
The courtship between Victoria and Albert is handled masterfully, and Tom Hughes skillfully portrays an Albert that needs meaning and purpose in his life to be happy. The court life alone would never be enough for him. When he seems to have been deprived of a purpose by Victoria, who offers him little to no role in the kingdom or even the royal household, his lethargy makes him object of the viewer's pity. That he slowly but surely finds roles to play is admirable, and his advocacy for England and some of its most important causes make him a beloved figure in Victorian times,
Through Victoria and Albert, the viewer gains a great understanding of why Victorian times are reflected upon with such great admiration and passion.
Highly recommended.
The Spanish Princess (2019)
Great Drama, Only so-so History
There can be no denying that The Spanish Prisoner, chronicling the life of Catherine of Aragon in England, is rife with historical inaccuracies, but I have never felt that historical fiction should be dismissed just because it is historical fiction. Certainly great liberties are taken at times, but I don't feel they detract from the clarity of the story.
The Spanish Prisoner delivers great drama and Charlotte Hope as Catherine is excellent. The series skillfully captures the life of Catherine, truly a fish out of water in her early days at the English Court. It captures her insecurities but celebrates her grit. It chronicles how Catherine gradually earned both greater love and greater respect from Henry VIII, and it is a story well told.
The Spanish Prisoner does not qualify as a masterpiece, but its' good drama and gives one a good feel for early Tudor times.
John Adams (2008)
Refreshingly Objective
This series was absolutely magnificent, but what I liked best about it was that it brought attention to the truth about declaring independence.
In the study of American history in American school, we are taught that declaring independence was a gritty, undisputed, and courageous act of the founding fathers, who forged ahead with no misgivings, It's the feel good interpretation of those times, but it's part myth.
The truth is that declaring independence was a calculated gamble that not every member of the Continental Congress wanted to take. In "John Adams," the counterarguments were not brushed aside, but instead presented with a refreshing objectivity. The uncontestable fact that declaring independence would lead to a war and a lot of lost lives was not swept under the rug, but instead presented with clarity as an argument against declaring independence. The existence of those that felt that continued loyalty to the English Crown was the best way to proceed was not brushed aside, but presented skillfully.
The objective presentation of both the difficulty and the the consequences of declaring independence make "John Adams" a truly exceptional presentation of history for those seeking a deeper understanding of the period in which John Adams lived.
"John Adams"
Disraeli (1929)
Interesting but also dull
In it's history, this is a good film, encapsulating Disraeli's nature and his steadfastness in pursuing the purchase of the Suez Canal. It was quite well acted by all. Nonetheless, I found it quite dull at times, focusing too much on relationships that didn't capture my imagination at all. A greater focus on the rivalry between Gladstone and Disraeli would have made this film more interesting.